Wahab Riaz Named Pakistan Cricket Team's New Chief Selector

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has been named as the men’s team new chief selector. This comes after batting legend Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down from the role midway through Pakistan’s 2023 world cup campaign in India after conflict of interests allegations against him.

Riaz continues to play franchise cricket after having retired from international cricket earlier this year.

“The (PCB) decision to involve former players in cricketing matters is commendable and I am willing to work for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” Wahab said in a statement on Friday.

“Heading a selection committee is a challenging task. We have a significant Australia tour coming up that is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle and a T20I series against New Zealand that will allow us to develop a formidable unit leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June next year,” he added.

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Riaz’s appointment is the latest in a series of wholesale changes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has undertaken following the team’s failure to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India.

Soon after arriving in Pakistan, Babar Azam stepped down as the team’s captain from all formats after reportedly being told that he will be removed from the role in white-ball formats.

Pakistan have named Shan Masood as their Test captain while Shaheen Afridi will lead in T20Is.

Former allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has been given the dual role of the head coach and team director. This will be Hafeez’s first evet coaching assignment.

“I have a good rapport with the Pakistan Men’s Team Director Mohammad Hafeez and we will be working closely for the success of Pakistan cricket. My primary goal would be to give weightage to the top performers in domestic cricket and announce well-rounded squads equipped with the necessary skillsets. I will always be available to the players for feedback and advice,” Riaz said.